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Enzo Fernandez brutally mocks England with cheeky social media post after Argentina inflicted World Cup semi-final heartbreak on Three Lions
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37'
Yellow card Elliot ANDERSON (England) is booked by
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Yellow card Lisandro MARTINEZ (Argentina) is booked by
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Yellow card Cristian ROMERO (Argentina) is booked by
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Goal Anthony GORDON (England) scores!!
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Goal Enzo FERNANDEZ (Argentina) scores!!
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Goal Lautaro MARTINEZ (Argentina) scores!!
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Yellow card Rodrigo DE PAUL (Argentina) is booked
England squad
- Selected
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1 Jordan PICKFORD Goalkeeper
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4 Declan RICE Midfielder
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5 John STONES Defender
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6 Marc GUEHI Defender
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8 Elliot ANDERSON Midfielder
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9 Harry KANE C Forward
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10 Jude BELLINGHAM Midfielder
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17 Morgan ROGERS Midfielder
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18 Anthony GORDON Forward
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24 Reece JAMES Defender
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25 Djed SPENCE Defender
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2 Ezri KONSA Defender
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3 Nico OREILLY Defender
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7 Bukayo SAKA Forward
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11 Marcus RASHFORD Forward
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12 Trevoh CHALOBAH Defender
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13 Dean Henderson Goalkeeper
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14 Jordan HENDERSON Midfielder
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15 Dan BURN Defender
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16 Kobbie MAINOO Midfielder
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19 Ollie WATKINS Forward
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20 Noni MADUEKE Forward
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21 Eberechi EZE Midfielder
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22 Ivan TONEY Forward
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23 James TRAFFORD Goalkeeper
- Full squad
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26 Jarell QUANSAH Defender
Argentina squad
- Selected
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3 Nicolas TAGLIAFICO Defender
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5 Leandro PAREDES Midfielder
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6 Lisandro MARTINEZ Defender
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9 Julian ALVAREZ Forward
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10 Lionel MESSI C Forward
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13 Cristian ROMERO Defender
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17 Giuliano SIMEONE Forward
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20 Alexis MAC ALLISTER Midfielder
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23 Emiliano MARTINEZ Goalkeeper
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24 Enzo FERNANDEZ Midfielder
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26 Nahuel MOLINA Defender
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1 Juan MUSSO Goalkeeper
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2 Marcos SENESI Defender
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4 Gonzalo MONTIEL Defender
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7 Rodrigo DE PAUL Midfielder
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8 Valentin BARCO Midfielder
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11 Giovani Lo Celso Midfielder
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12 Geronimo RULLI Goalkeeper
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14 Exequiel PALACIOS Midfielder
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15 Nico GONZALEZ Midfielder
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16 Thiago ALMADA Forward
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18 Nico PAZ Forward
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19 Nicolas OTAMENDI Defender
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21 Jose Manuel LOPEZ Forward
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22 Lautaro MARTINEZ Forward
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25 Facundo MEDINA Defender
Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernández mocked England on social media after his side eliminated the Three Lions from the World Cup semi-finals, adding to a wave of Argentine gloating that included Lionel Messi's claim that "England didn't want it anymore." The taunts have compounded a difficult period for England, whose exit has triggered intense scrutiny of manager Thomas Tuchel, with players and pundits criticising negative tactics, poor substitutions and questionable squad selection.
The fallout has been extensive, with captain Harry Kane citing a "missing final piece of the jigsaw" and defender Marc Guehi criticising the team's cautious approach, while commentators have called for Tuchel to be sacked ahead of Euro 2028. Argentina's celebrations have not been without controversy either, as players face a possible ban over a "Malvinas" banner displayed after the win, with FIFA saying it will decide on further action.
In short
- Enzo Fernández mocked England online after Argentina's World Cup semi-final win
- Messi also gloated, saying England "didn't want it anymore"
- Tuchel faces heavy criticism over tactics and selection following the exit
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
England's overly defensive approach prevented the team from competing effectively, with players and pundits criticising negative tactics, poor substitutions, and cautious squad selection that failed to utilise the team's attacking talent. This represents a genuine management failure that cost them advancement, and serious questions about Tuchel's tactical direction are warranted given England's comparative underperformance on the pitch.
The case against
Argentina demonstrated clear superiority across the pitch, and losing to world-class opposition with exceptional talent is not inherently a management failure. Tuchel's tactical discipline and defensive solidity represented a reasonable and competitive approach against elite opposition, and attributing the loss primarily to his choices overlooks Argentina's genuine quality and the inherent unpredictability of international football where superior talent often proves decisive.
Explained simply
The World Cup is the international football championship held every four years, where national teams from around the world compete for the trophy. The semi-finals are among the tournament's final matches, with four teams remaining in competition to reach the championship game. Argentina recently defeated England in one of these World Cup semi-finals, eliminating the Three Lions from the competition.
England had been widely expected to perform strongly in the tournament, given the quality of their squad. Elimination at the semi-final stage proved disappointing and has prompted considerable discussion about the team's tactics, selections and performance during the competition.
Argentina and England have a significant history of competitive encounters in football that extends across many years. Both nations have strong football traditions and notable World Cup histories, so matches between them are typically events of considerable interest and importance.